Climate protesters from the Extinction Rebellion movement in London are threatening to shut down Heathrow airport. Police have appealed to the group, saying it could cause misery to thousands of travellers over Easter.
The group announced its plan to “shut down” Europe’s busiest airport as thousands prepared to travel for the Easter holiday weekend.
Police urged the activists to “strongly reconsider” the planned airport action on Good Friday, one of the busiest travel days of the year, and said there were plans in place to prevent Heathrow’s operations from being affected.
Heathrow Airport said it was “working with the authorities” following threats protesters may try to disrupt flights over the Easter weekend.
An important message for passengers this weekend. pic.twitter.com/MqB2HLi8TQ
— Heathrow Airport (@HeathrowAirport) April 18, 2019
The Met said “strong plans” were in place to enable a significant number of officers to be deployed to Heathrow if necessary.
There are strong plans in place that will enable us to deploy a significant number of officers to Heathrow and take firm action against any protestors seeking to cause disruption #ExtinctionRebellion https://t.co/jLnAcMNt6h
— MPS Events (@MetPoliceEvents) April 18, 2019
British police say they have arrested more than 500 activists since the protests began.
Extinction Rebellion demands the British government declare a “climate and ecological emergency” and take action to bring greenhouse gas emissions down to zero by 2025.
Via BBC/Sky News/The Guardian
